Reserved for individuals within the top tier of leadership of their organizations, the C-Suite Awards are intended to recognize and celebrate high-level accomplishments, effective leadership and significant community contributions within businesses and nonprofits throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Within the 2016 class, the industries of technology, retail, tourism, trade, construction, food production, signage and banking are represented, and the recipients have an estimated 270 years’ combined experience among them.

The group is comprised of nine chief executive officers and one chief financial officer.

These standout leaders have earned the esteem of the peers, employees, friends and community members who nominated them, and our staff selected honorees based on their recommendations.

The C-Suite Awards, along with the NWABJ Women in Business feature, were introduced last year as a complement to the publication’s other recognition programs. Forty Under 40 has acknowledged rising stars in the professional world since 1997, and Fast 15 has recognized up-and-comers in their 20s since 2009.

Nominations for the 2017 C-Suite Awards, in addition to the other recognition programs, are now open at www.nwabusinessjournal.com, under the “Best in Class” tab.